Not a school day goes by without at least two of these statements, commands, or questions leaving my mouth:
* This is my FAVORITE BOOK. No, THIS IS MY FAVORITE BOOK.
* Have you read this book?
* Wow, check out this book. It's the best thing since sliced bread.
*Do you see how the illustrations perfectly match the text?
* Do you have a moment? OK, please come over here. I want to share these books with you.
* Do you mind if I read this book to you? I really want to hear what you like or dislike about it.
The sixth asterisk is the best thing about my job. I read to kids. I discuss books with kids. I HEAR WHAT KIDS THINK ABOUT BOOKS. Kids are honest--brutally honest. Their opinions matter.
An idea just popped into my head. I'm going to set my timer for ninety seconds and type the first read-aloud memories that come to mind.
Ready, set, go!
1. I'm asking my grandmother to read Goofy's Big Race just one more time. Please?
2. My second-grade teacher introduces me to Fern, Wilbur, Templeton, and Charlotte. I fall in love with books.
3. Dr. Mary Margaret Reed is reading aloud Matilda. Strangely enough, I can still visualize the giant purple ring she always wore. I haven't seen her in approximately twenty years.
5. I see eighteen teary-eyed fourth graders who feel Jesse's pain. You can hear a pin drop.
6. A third-grade class is in the library to celebrate World Read Aloud Day with author Laurel Snyder. She reads a passage from Penny Dreadful.
6. A third-grade class is in the library to celebrate World Read Aloud Day with author Laurel Snyder. She reads a passage from Penny Dreadful.
7. Kids start clapping bef (I'm out of time. Sorry!)
That was fun! You should try it. Better yet, ask your students to record their favorite read-aloud memories and share them on World Read Aloud Day. Happy reading and connecting!
"Imagine a world where everyone can read." -LitWorld
